Road Injuries and Deaths

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Lord Pickles

Wednesday 19th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Pickles (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Conservative Benches.

[Lord Pickles (Con)]

My Lords, I also express my condolences to the noble Lord.

The Minister will be aware that yesterday in Australia it was announced for the first time that the number of road deaths caused by taking drugs exceeded the number of deaths caused by drink-driving. Given that, since 2013, the number of deaths caused by taking illegal drugs has increased by 70%, it is a matter of time before we get to that position. Will the noble Lord commit to the same kind of campaign that was waged over a generation to reduce deaths by drinking, by ensuring that people who take drugs have a certainty of being caught?